Degree Requirements

Master of Arts Degree

Students pursuing the Master of Arts degree in Women's and Gender Studies may write either a thesis or a report at the end of their coursework. The thesis option requires 36 semester hours of coursework, of which 6 hours are earned in the thesis course. The report option requires 36 semester hours of coursework, of which 3 hours are earned in the report course. All students must complete the 3 core foundations courses: WGS 390: Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies; WGS 391: Feminist Theories; and WGS 392: Research Seminar in Women's and Gender Studies.

In addition, each student must demonstrate competence in the research skills appropriate to the student's overall academic and career objectives and to the final thesis or report. A minimum of 4 additional courses related to women, gender, sexuality, or feminism may be selected from the extensive offerings of faculty members affiliated with the Center for Women's & Gender Studies. Other courses may be substituted with the WGS Graduate Advisor's approval. (2015-2017 Catalog: MA in WGS)

Dual Degree Master's Programs

College of Liberal Arts/School of Information
MA/MSIS: Women's and Gender Studies/Information Studies:

Students pursuing the dual degree in Women’s and Gender Studies and Information Studies may either write a thesis or complete a Professional Experience and Project (INF 388L, e.g., “Capstone”) at the end of their coursework. The thesis requires 61 semester hours of coursework, of which 6 hours are earned in the thesis course. The project option requires 61 semester hours of coursework, of which 3 hours are earned in the Capstone course. All students must complete all core courses in the two programs and must demonstrate research competence appropriate to the student’s overall academic and career objectives and to the final thesis or Capstone. Elective courses related to women, gender, sexuality, or feminism may be selected from the offerings of WGS faculty affiliates including faculty members from the iSchool. The two degrees are awarded simultaneously at the completion of all course and exit requirements. (2015-2017 Catalog: MA/MSIS﻿ in WGS/INF)

College of Liberal Arts/Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public AffairsMA/MPAff: Women's and Gender Studies/Public Affairs:

This degree program is offered by the Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (WGS) and the LBJ School (LBJ) at the University of Texas at Austin. The Dual Degree Program responds to an increased need in the public, nonprofit and private sectors for specialists who have advanced training in policy analysis and leadership and management skills, as well a comprehensive understanding of women’s and gender issues. Applicants for the Dual Degree Program must meet the general admission criteria of the Graduate School and the admission criteria for both the LBJ School and the Center for Women’s and Gender Studies. Students in the program will be able to complete both degrees in three academic years with a total of 66 credit hours.

Students pursuing the dual degree in Women's and Gender Studies and Public Affairs must complete 66 semester hours of coursework, including a thesis.